The abrupt closure of Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute left many students, instructors and graduates with more questions than answers.

But resources are available to students who might not know what their next steps should be.

The business, technical and trade school, which had two City of Poughkeepsie locations, permanently closed due to "severe financial and operational challenges," according to a Wednesday notice from its president, Terry Weymouth.

Challenges came in the wake of the U.S. Department of Education withdrawing its recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, the agency that accredited Ridley-Lowell, Weymouth said. Without that recognition, schools can't participate in federal student aid programs.

In Poughkeepsie, "the community is stepping up to help," said Mike Brown, a former Ridley-Lowell medical assistant program instructor.

Brown, for instance, has planned a tutoring session for medical assistant students who still need to take their Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. The Adriance Memorial Library on Market Street in Poughkeepsie will provide space for the session, which is set for Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Chevon Velez, who lost her job as a medical assistant instructor when Ridley-Lowell closed, also plans to tutor students.

Students can reach out to Brown with questions at 845-901-4347.

Here are some other potential resources for those affected by the Ridley-Lowell closure. The Poughkeepsie Journal does not endorse any particular group, program or event; please do your research before making a decision.

Finances

Under a closed school loan discharge, you may be able to have all of your federal loans dismissed: if Ridley-Lowell closed while you were still enrolled, or if it closed within 120 days after you withdrew from a program with no degree.

You are not eligible for a loan discharge if you completed a comparable educational program through a "teach-out" program, if you withdrew more than 120 days before it closed, or if you have completed all coursework for the program, even if you haven't received diplomas or certificates.

If you were enrolled in Ridley-Lowell when it closed, or if you recently withdrew, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators can connect you with expert financial aid administrators though its online portal, www.nextstepsed.org.

The state

City of Poughkeepsie officials spoke with the state Education Department Bureau of Proprietary Services, according to Mayor Rob Rolison.

Other schools

Dutchess Community College has "planned two sessions especially to address the needs of students displaced by the Ridley-Lowell closure," said spokeswoman Judi Stokes.

The Poughkeepsie-based college "has assembled a team of advisors, career counselors, financial aid representatives and others to help you figure out your next steps," it said via statement. "Our friendly staff will offer guidance, present various options and provide support that may help you through this challenging time."

Two free sessions will be held. The first is this Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. (which coincides with a 1-5 p.m. job fair) at the Dutchess Community College campus; room 106 in Falcon Hall.

The second is on April 16 from 6-7 p.m. at the Family Partnership Center, located at 29 N. Hamilton St. in Poughkeepsie

No registration is required. Contact the school with questions at 845-431-8900 or email communityrelations@sunydutchess.edu.

The College of Westchester, a for-profit school overseen by the state Board of Regents, has associate and bachelor degree programs, along with certificate options.

"In 2014, our academic department reviewed the curriculum taught at Ridley-Lowell and determined a certain number of courses that would articulate with our college courses and meet the learning objectives of the course," said Vice President of Enrollment Management Matt Curtis. "As a result, based on the classes they have completed, they could have direct transfer into the degree program."

The college has "existing articulations" in programs Ridley-Lowell offered, such as medical administrative assistant, medical assistant, medical billing and cosing specialist, and networking and technical support specialist.

The school, located at 325 Central Ave. in White Plains, will host an information session for Ridley-Lowell students on April 14, starting at 11 a.m.

At the session, participants can learn about upcoming class start dates, details of the articulation agreements between Ridley-Lowell and The College of Westchester, scholarship opportunities, curriculum and more.

Participants are asked to bring any information they have related to their Ridley-Lowell enrollment, along with a high school diploma or official transcript with raised seal; a GED; or any other college transcripts.

Anyone with questions can call the college's admissions department at 914-831-0200.

The $40 application fee will be waived for any Ridley-Lowell students who want to apply to the College of Westchester.

The Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center in Port Ewen offers programs such as medical coding and billing, medical administrative assistant, cosmetology, Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and more.

Prospective students can call the school at 845-331-5050 or check www.ulsterboces.org for more information.

Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers, a for-profit school, has locations in Newburgh and Nanuet, and is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Careers Arts and Sciences. The school has cosmetic and aesthetic programs.

Capri will hold an informational session specifically for Ridley-Lowell students on Wednesday. It's set to start at 5 p.m. at the school's Newburgh location on N. Plank Road.

Director Jessica Accetta said instructors, financial aid officers and admissions representatives will be on hand to discuss the transfer process and more.

"It is the policy of Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers to grant credit for hours spent in previous training in other schools," according to its website. "All students with previous training will be given a practical evaluation based on the subject matter from their transcripts."

Graduation

A graduation ceremony was set to be held June 14, but it's been cancelled.

Ridley-Lowell said it's "making efforts to confer diplomas on students who have completed their academic coursework for their programs of study."

Brown, the former Ridley-Lowell instructor who's offering the tutoring session, is trying to set up a graduation ceremony for disappointed students.

He's put out calls to the Poughkeepsie City School District — the upcoming commencement was set to take place at the high school — the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, which has hosted the ceremony in the past, and the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

Ridley-Lowell

Weymouth, who has owned the schools for decades, told the Poughkeepsie Journal that he knew the schools would have to close Tuesday, a day before the announcement was made, when a potential buyer fell through.